In an interview with the Communications Office of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC), the newly appointed Bishop of Kroonstad Diocese, Monsignor Amos Mabuti Masemola, offered a reflective and deeply spiritual account of his vocation, priestly formation, and the journey that has led him to episcopal service in the Church.

Speaking from Khanya House, the headquarters of the SACBC, Bishop-elect Masemola shared how the news of his appointment came unexpectedly through a message from the Apostolic Nuncio. What began as an ordinary moment at a funeral quickly became a life-changing encounter. “For me, that was not expected,” he recalled, describing a moment marked by silence, prayer, and discernment before embracing the call. “I had to pause… and ask for that prayerful moment, and to make a decision on the message that I was given.”

A vocation born at the altar

Born and raised in Winterveld, north of Pretoria, Bishop-elect Masemola traces his vocation to his early years as an altar server. It was there, in the intimacy of liturgical service and the witness of many priests, that the seed of priestly love was planted.
“Altar serving drew me to the love for the priesthood,” he reflected, noting that even moments of doubt became part of his discernment journey, helping him to recognise the authenticity of his calling.

Ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Pretoria, he served as Parish Priest of St Thomas More, Monavoni, and as Second Vicar General, combining pastoral ministry with leadership and formation. He also contributed to the formation of future priests as a lecturer, an experience remembered fondly by many seminarians.

Formation across Africa

A defining dimension of Bishop-elect Masemola’s journey is his formation beyond South Africa. He pursued further studies in spiritual theology at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) in Nairobi, Kenya—an experience that shaped both his theological vision and his African ecclesial identity.

“It was a very great moment for me,” he said, describing the opportunity to study in East Africa as a chance to encounter other African cultures, spiritualities, and ways of living the faith. With gratitude, he added: “I am a product of CUEA as well… an African university in the eastern part of Africa.”

This cross-continental formation, rooted in both Southern and Eastern Africa, has given his priesthood a distinctly pan-African character—one grounded in communion, diversity, and shared ecclesial identity.

A synodal shepherd for Kroonstad

Reflecting on his appointment to Kroonstad, a diocese vacant since 2022, Bishop-elect Masemola spoke with humility and a clear synodal spirit. Acknowledging his limited personal experience of the diocese, he expressed a readiness to learn, listen, and walk with the people.

“For me, it is to sit, listen, before I could say this is the direction that we need to be taking,” he said, underlining a pastoral approach rooted in discernment rather than imposition. His vision reflects the Church’s synodal journey: communion, participation, and mission.

Hope for the future of the Church

Speaking in the context of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the Catholic hierarchy in Southern Africa, Bishop-elect Masemola offered a message of hope and responsibility.
“This celebration is a reminder that the Church is alive,” he said. “The Church comes from a particular past, but it is also going towards a particular future.”

A shepherd who asks for prayer

At the end of the interview, Bishop-elect Masemola placed his ministry in the hands of the People of God:
“Without you, we are nothing. I am nothing. I continue to place myself before you to appeal for your prayers and support in this ministry.”